The Savile

Stopping by Lark last weekend, I came across this lovely military field parka from Chimala. Rugged and Japanese-made I can't help but think the cut would look better on the ladies than the fellas.New Balance recently launched their online customization program for the 574 and tapped Jake Davis for a pretty little promo piece.I'm not usually one to keep up with collaborations, but I was really excited to hear about Filson Red Label — a partnership between Filson and Japanese-label nanamica.

If you know me at all, you'll already know this has me written all over it. Getting the obvious out of the way, yes I do bring a comb with me everywhere I go. Having the option of folding it to half-size means it will inconspicuously slide in and out of my front pocket. The second reason for this match made in heaven is the history behind Kent; having been around since 1777, the British company continues to retain the craftsmanship and unprecedented quality that is it's reputation. The folding comb in question is completely hand-made, each tooth has been individually hand-sawed, beveled, and polished to ensure perfect hair penetration without scratching the scalp. I can go on, but it is after all only a comb.

>Kent Folding Comb

Designed out of Chile, Lonewolf Indie straps are a great way to stylize that camera hanging around your neck or that Les Paul you're slinging around the stage. With a stong influence on the aesthetic codes of alternative culture and independent music, the straps are handmade with resistant, lightweight materials to maximize the comfort when using your instrument of choice.  A great alternative to your standard, run of the mill leather straps.  

I unfortunately can't tell you much about these beautiful ankle-high lace-up shoes made from beige calf suede from Viennese shoe company Scheer but they certainly are gorgeous. Not having previously heard of this brand, some brief research reveals quite a history behind this small operation. Still family-owned, 7 generations later, lead shoemaker Markus Scheer oversees the entire handmade manufacturing process, right down to sourcing "the natural leathers collected over many generations int he Scheer family's own leather storehouse." 

Internet anti-music sensation Rebecca Black isn't the only calendar-obsessed star on the rise. After a handful of promising singles and this week's free mixtape, House of Balloons, Toronto artist Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, is way more deserving of your attention. His brand of dense, brooding R&B draws from Prince's sneering sexuality, Michael Jackson's restrained vulnerability and The-Dream's thumping, 80s-inflected production. It's both familiar and refreshingly original, not to mention well-calculated. The timing, the music, Tesfaye’s Burial-like anonymity; it’s a measured blend of hype and mystery that has served him well in the frame of social media. Now, with the critical acclaim of his mixtape and rumblings of fellow Toronto native Drake already wanting to collaborate, the forecast is looking good for The Weeknd. 

The Embossed Anchor series from Jack Spade recently caught my eye—wallets made from vegetable dyed cowhide embossed with a repeat burnished anchor. Being a fan of the brand and a bit of a sailor myself, I picked one up on a recent visit to the shop on Greene this weekend. I'm liking the details, specifically the interior lining screened with vintage tattoo flash artwork. While the series includes 3 sizes, an international bill holder, credit card holder and vertical card holder, I opted for the latter which combined slim sizing with enough space to carry what you need. 

>Jack Spade

Photojournalist Navid Baraty posted some gorgeous pictures on the Behance Network of the monstrous snow storm that hit New York City in January. In hindsight, a blizzard of this scale is a walk in the park compared to recent events in Japan and New Zealand, but judging by these photos it brought the city to a standstill nonetheless. An internationally-acclaimed photographer, Baraty has worked with a number of publications, including National Geographic and Men's Journal. His portfolio focuses a great deal on epic natural landscapes, and he's developed a real penchant for capturing the spirit of each setting. With the storm as his muse and Brooklyn's Park Slope as his setting, his treatment of light and composition really grasps winter's tug-of-war between hostility and stunning beauty. 

Absolutely love the new 2011 Fall/Winter collection from Danish luggage-makers Mismo, who always seem to impress season after season. The use of custom developed, 100% vegetable tanned leather, an extremely rugged yet sophisticated material, highlights the vast selection of bags, briefcases, and accessories. As with most of their designs, the look is minimalistic, simple, and classic.

>Mismo

This Gore-Tex Cruiser jacket has been out in Japan for a little while now but has begun to pop up in some shops in North America. While Nanamica is still fairly difficult to track down outside of Japan, some select shops are making more and more small buys every season. I love the timeless cut and colour of this Cruiser along with the fact that it has some nice technical details, especially in the seam-sealing. The price is way outside my range, but it never hurts to look. Well, at least not for long.

I fully acknowledge it's a bit odd to co-sign a book without having read it, but sometimes a couple of excerpts or jacket cover is all it takes. Such is the case with the excerpt I found at The New York Times for Starman: The Truth Behind the Legend of Yuri Gagarin. Men have always been somewhat fascinated with space travel in some form or another at some point in their life. We browse the Flickr streams, we always seem to catch the shuttle taking off or landing, and marvel at NASA's discoveries on a monthly basis. This book however, highlights a fairly unglamorous space travel experience. Not all that long ago, Time magazine did a terrific cover story on past American astronauts and some of the issues they faced returning to normalcy after achieving their life's greatest moment. It was something I had never really thought about until that point: What do you do after you've completed mankind's greatest feat? It's something that no doubt ways heavily on astronauts and Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin seems to have been no exception. The excerpt is powerful and sad, though a nice change in perspective from the North American stories that always seem to grip us.

I recently went back to my roots and picked up an original, plain gray Champion crewneck sweatshirt to wear underneath jackets on colder, rainy days here in Vancouver. They’re still as great as I remember them when I used to wear them for days on end when I was younger, and today, I’m able to appreciate its timelessness on a whole other level. Though no longer made in the USA, with a good weight to it and subtle embroidered Champion C logo on the sleeve, as far as plain sweats go, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better, affordable alternative. Just remember to size down as they fit pretty generously.

For the most part of the sixties, Linda McCartney (née Eastman) was one of the most prominent photographers of the emerging rock scene. She was the official photographer for The Rolling Stones, and captured hundreds of thousands of candid shots of the most important musical acts in history; from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix, to Bob Dylan, The Doors, and Michael Jackson. It was her profession that led her to Paul McCartney, and during their life together she documented some of The Beatles' most famous moments, from behind-the-scenes. Her soon to be released collection of works are as touching as they are interesting, capturing the essence of each moment in the simplest of ways. A definite must for any Beatles fan.

>Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs

Some neat shots of some neat things from the CIA Museum.
>Flickr

National Geographic's ongoing Ultimate Factories series will provide a glimpse inside Mercedes-Benz this week.
>Ultimate Factories

Just had a chance to go over Rachel Comey's men's shoe store online and there are some lookers available.
>Rachel Comey

Your deal of the week is a hand-knit scarf from Inverallan, priced offensively-low. This may be one of your last chances as they've stopped taking individual orders altogether and have opted to work exclusively with select retailers such as Beams Japan and Inventory Stockroom.
>Inverallan on eBay

One of my favourite artists of the moment, Adele, was interviewed by Interview Magazine for her new album, 21.
>Interview Magazine

Gorgeous Holga digital camera just for fun (seen above).
>Holga D

If you're not already familiar, Jeff Bridges, is one hell of a photographer.
>Jeff Bridges

And randomly, here's a video of Thomas Edison riding a fixed gear bicycle.
>Vimeo

February 10th marked the fifth anniversary of J Dilla's untimely death, and as is the custom in the hip hop community, tributes have been circulating all month. The legendary producer/MC more than left his mark, from early beginnings with The Pharcyde and the Native Tongues to his tragically short solo stint at Stones Throw, a discography that lives on posthumously after the enormous underground success of his seminal beat tape Donuts.

As #dillamonth draws to a close, a few notable projects paying respect to Detroit's finest are worth mentioning. B. Kyle's documentary 'Still Shining' - released on what would have been Dilla's birthday, February 7 - lacks in production value, but its heart is certainly in the right place. Plus, with appearances by big names like Common, Pete Rock, Erykah Badu and Q-Tip, the content is really engaging.

Dilla's label Stones Throw released a black-and-white print to commemorate the occasion (above). 'Behind the Beat' is a nicely-framed photograph of Jay Dee tweaking the boards. With minimal composition, it's a classy homage to an understated icon.

Liveagl.com recently dropped J Dilla's Treasures, a mixtape showcasing early work and rarities. A great mix for purists and beginners alike, it's a straightforward collection that sheds light on the evolution of his signature drum-heavy sound.

There are countless tributes out there, and there will be many, many more. J Dilla's legacy will endure for as long as people have ears.

>J Dilla: Still Shining
>J Dilla: Behind the Beat
>J Dilla's Treasures

There's no hiding my love for Common Projects. From the use of ultra soft high-end Italian leather to the overall minimalist aesthetic, everything falls perfectly into place. Even now with my needs moving towards dressier options, I can stick with what I know and absolutely love. Unassuming lines give this shoe an almost casual feel, but it will definitely add a touch of class to any look. If you're looking to subltely stand out, go with a grey dress shoe over black, you'll attract just the right amount of attention from a discerning eye.

>Très Bien Shop

Skateistan: To Live and Die in Kabul, a short 10-minute documentary that made waves at Sundance this year, is a truly inspiring look at the youth of Afghanistan and how they deal with life in a war-torn country through skateboarding. If you aren't aware of the project, it's a brilliant initiative:

Operating against the backdrop of war and bleak prospects, the Skateistan charity project is the world’s first co-educational skateboarding school, where a team of international volunteers work with girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 17, an age group largely untouched by other aid programmes.


>Skateistan: To Live and Die in Kabul

Paying homage to their motorcycling and military history, Barbour's Beacon Heritage collection — a collaboration with Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida — is an excellent example of the brand's iconic sartorial contribution to classic Bristish style. Simple and timeless.

>Barbour

Four Horsemen's latest collaboration with outdoor brand Skookum is a fine example of the direction menswear is headed in 2011. It's that perfect middle ground between the ongoing love affair with classic Americana and the emerging transition towards a more tailored style. Everything about this piece speaks to the success of the workwear trend, from the timelessness of the varsity design to the performance of the jacket's 100% Virgin Melton Wool. Meanwhile, with a deliberately trimmed-down body and narrower sleeves, the Letterman's slimmer, more modern take on an otherwise classic piece of rugged Americana suggests that changes are starting to ring.

>Four Horsemen

I've been slowly expanding my horizons outside of fashion and product-focused sites and was delighted to come across Wood&Faulk. Documenting the experiments, style and craft of one Portland-based "builder, designer and tinkerer", Matt's creations are as intriguing as his shots detailing the process. And, he runs a tight little shop stocked with his own line of Wood&Faulk products in the form of carpenter's bags and canvas work aprons.

>Wood&Faulk

I love everything about these straps. They look like you've had them forever, yet will no doubt get better with age and I absolutely love the subtle logo emboss at the end of the strap. "Designed for our Gravel Racer. Perfect for any commuter and strong enough for the traditional racer. Dull silver hardware with black or brown edged and oiled 10oz Latigo leather. Built for life. Made in Pennsylvania."

>Freeman Transport

Amsterdam-based photographer Jonathan Andrew has some incredible shots of WWII-era bunkers definitely worth a quick browse.

>Jonathan Andrew Photography

Mr. ACL paid a visit to Red Wing in Japan and snapped a few pics.
>Paul+Williams

If you're not already familiar with Tenue de Nimes' Journal de Nimes, please acquaint yourself immediately.
>Journal de Nimes

Canada's own Wings+Horns has collaborated with the Ace Hotel on a French terry bathrobe.
>Ace Hotel Shop

A phenomenal deal to be had on Diemme boots over at Jonathan and Olivia.
>J+O

Great interview with one of my childhood idols, professional skateboarder Mark Gonzales.
>Hobo Magazine

I unfortunately don't know much about motorcycles, but I know these are beautiful and can certainly appreciate what they're doing over at Wrench Monkees.

>Wrench Monkees

I'm not altogether sure I would use this for my bike, but I absolutely adore the colour and concept behind this leather bag from Retrovelo. It looks great on the bike and I'm quite certain it would look just as good off the frame in-hand walking around town.

>Retrovelo

Every time I talk to Benjamin Gott he seems to have something creative going on. You may have never heard of him, but if you’ve ever come across The Brilliance, or Boxed Water Is Better, you’re no doubt already somewhat familiar with his work. I’ve always been personally fascinated with the projects he has been involved in, so I was all but pleased to share this conversation with him regarding his newly formed clothing label, Benjamin Edgar or Whatever.

The Savile: What's the idea behind the label?

Benjamin Edgar: It changes all the time I think. It's a personal project and I really enjoy in through that lens - I'm cautious to look at it as a business too much - I feel like that might ruin it, ruin the fun of it. Right now the focus is clothing, its really the end result of 2 years of actually making pieces after meeting a really talented pattern-maker, just playing around, wearing stuff, giving it to friends and exploring, lots and lots of learning, etc. I've been playing around with jewelry for a bit over a year too, designing simple pieces here and there - selling to friends, word of mouth - I'd like to see what happens with that as well. Furniture, specifically benches are something I've played around with, sketching, making little models. Who knows what will stick, you know? Right now the focus is clothing - its the creative outlet that I'm distracted the most by. I think thats what makes it fun - just kind of doing whatever. I feel lucky to be able to do this as a hobby, even on a tiny scale.

The Savile: How did you find the process of creating the pieces? What was involved?

Benjamin Edgar: I love basics. Or maybe classic pieces. I don't like owning a lot of clothing really - only stuff I really love. My motivation is maybe 3 parts: proportions, fabric, and wearability. By wearability I'm shooting for something classic I hope. I love "uniform" pieces - feel like I always have - stuff you just wear all the time. I'm always wearing the same outfit - people don't even make comments about it it anymore, ha. It's super important to me not to have anything that is extraneous - but I suppose thats my personal opinion - we could all just wear scrubs everyday and that would do the trick, right? Like epaulettes - I like what they do for the shoulder line, but I feel like I could never design anything that had them. I just try and be careful not to design something that will look dated - not sure how to articulate it really, but its like - if the George Nelson bench was a piece of clothing, what would it look like? The Nelson bench is so perfect to me.

The Savile: How did you decide on the fabrics?

Benjamin Edgar: When I got into this I always thought fabric was secondary to design. Which is really hilarious when I look back on it. I remember reading this interview with Jean Touitou of APC, and he talked about starting with fabric then designing - I feel like I've started doing that on accident. I live in the midwest, Grand Rapids, so I had to get used to ordering swatches, lots of them, and going from there. It taught me patience. Shirting drives me nuts. I get so frustrated going to fabric stores here, like: "Who the hell is buying all this fleece?! This stuff sucks! Where is all the shirting?" It's kind of funny. My favorite fabrics are really dense ones. I love really dense sateen for pants. I love fabrics that wrinkle well, sharp wrinkles. Matte dupioni silk for linings, love those.

The Savile: And where are they being made?

Benjamin Edgar: Right now everything is made right in our sampling studio - its crazy. But I love the control we have. I love being close to the process and I'm lucky to work with a really awesome pattern-maker. I'd like to keep everything here in the states - something I just enjoy about it - and I'd like to keep the more intense pieces, leather jackets, the new bag we're working on, etc all in-studio. I would never want something to be out there that wasn't 100% up to par quality wise - why even do it if you're not going to do it really well.

The Savile: And it's available...

Benjamin Edgar: I'm pretty honored that my stuff is available in a really beautiful new store in NYC called A Man and a Women. My friend Virgil introduced myself and the look book off my phone to the owner Erin and things kind of just happened from there. I have some stuff available here in Grand Rapids at store called Lamb thats owned by a close friend of mine. Who knows where else, wherever it fits - I think its an honor when a buyer/shop-owner takes interest enough in what you're doing to sell it.

>Benjamin Edgar, or Whatever

It goes without saying that there are things a man should just know. One of them, is meat. Namely, how to pick it, how to prepare it and how to cook it. And there is maybe no better teacher out there than the Lobel's, whom "grew wise in the ways of butchery in Manhattan, of the cleaver and of the cutting board, so that they may bring unto us this season these eight chapters and lead us into temptation." Wonderfully shot and a great resource for the kitchen.

>Lobel's Meat Bible

London-based singer-songwriter and producer James Blake’s dark, progressive post-dubstep take on R&B has him marked for big things in 2011. The 22-year-old’s cachet steadily rose as he released singles and EP’s throughout 2010, before his Klavierwerke EP and cover of Feist’s “Limit to Your Love” finally put the hype train into overdrive. What marked those releases as signals of massive potential was Blake’s unleashing of his affecting, soulful vocals, an element of the mix that he had obscured in previous releases.

Recently, Blake has received another boost by being ranked second in BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2011, honoring the upcoming year’s most promising artists. His self-titled debut album will be released on February 7th via his own label ATLAS, with support and distribution from major label A&M Records.

>James Blake

Being a fan of their angular, modern take on the classic chukka, I'm drawn to Volta's new lineup of boots being showcased right now in Berlin at B&B. While the collection of Summer boots are suited for the warmer months, this Woolen boot, with its wool-leather combination, is just perfect for Fall.

>Volta

This is probably about as 'high fashion' as I get, as I tend not to closely follow designers and their new collections, but Pitti Uomo is nevertheless a time I look forward to. Not to see the new collections mind you, but rather to see the looks of the people attending the shows. Jak & Jil's Tommy Tom whose work you've no doubt seen in his on-going feature in GQ's Street Style has been photographing this show for the last little while. Most of these looks are a little bit too inventive for the common man to pull of, but they're certainly nice to look at and browsing this year's gallery, I see some familiar faces that always seem to make the cut.

>Tommy Ton's Street Style at Pitti Uomo

I've been close to pulling the trigger so-to-speak on an original Eames fiberglass chair for ages now, but after coming across this video, its fate is pretty much sealed. Though unfortunately-pricey, the very fact that this chair is still desirable and appealing in my eyes even after all these years, certainly makes it a piece worth investing in and holding on to.

>The Making of the Eames Fiberglass Chair

Among many of the curiosities and neat finds you'll find at New York shop and gallery Partners & Spade is this custom fixed gear by Benedict Radcliffe of Fixed Gear London. FGLDN as it is known, not only makes some of the best bikes going at the moment, they also happen to make some of the best technical riding apparel no doubt designed for rainy days on their home turf. Seems like it may be only a matter of time until the gents over at Outlier Tailored start offering custom fixed gears of their own. Here's hoping.

>Partners & Spade

Still family-owned after being founded in 1880 Loake is now Europe's largest producer of Goodyear welted men's footwear. While maintaining their Northamptonshire roots, the company estimates that they have made some 50 million pairs of shoes over the years. Despite their age, they never seem to be in short supply of new releases, as evident in the release of their new suede chukkas last year.

"Our premium Goodyear Welted shoes continue to be made in England and take eight weeks to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 75 shoe parts and approximately 200 different operations are involved."

This quick little behind the scenes tour provides a glimpse of the operation.

>Loake Shoemakers

Though I haven't yet started reading his book, this interview with Aron Ralston in Dazed Digital is without question a nice primer. Most of you no doubt already know his story, but for those who won't be able to stomach 127 Hours or read the book, this interview provides some nice insights into his experience along with his thoughts about the film. Among the startling revelations, "[the amputation was done]...with a smile on my face, I was going to get out of there."

>127 Hours: Aron Ralston Talks Survival

Brooks are taking things in a new direction, along with their tradition of making some of the best leather saddles around, they have created a new label named John Boultbee. Along with designer/tailor Timothy Everest, they have created the Criterion Mk.1 jacket, a piece which has been ordained the world's finest jacket for cyclists. Waterproof, breathable with all sorts of extra functionality, it sounds capable of the task.

I’ve been an appreciator of the work coming from Commune Design long before I had ever heard of them. It wasn’t until I started to research the backgrounds of some of my favorite retail spaces that their name started to emerge time and time again. From the Ace Hotel and Swim Club (above), to Opening Ceremony in Tokyo, to The Standard and Undefeated, each space has a uniqueness and feel to it that seems to reinforce and showcase each brand’s personality. A quick browse of their portfolio is sure to reveal some other names you may be familiar with.

>Commune

One of my favorite blogs to flip through for looks and inspiration is Richard Haines' What I Saw Today. People-spotting and documenting everyday looks on a blog certainly isn't anything new, but doing it through sketch drawings is pretty neat and original. New Yorker, Richard Haines has definitely found a nice way to merge his two loves and it shows. I also love that despite each sketches' roughness, one is still able to differentiate and pick up on certain, unique details.

>What I Saw Today

"The Rapha + Paul Smith version of the Essentials Case is a luxury storage pouch for vital road tools. Made from tough leather, the case fits comfortably into a cycling jersey or jacket pocket. The case has bound seams, and the robust zip has an O-ring puller and purple satin tape.

The case is lined with a flamboyant purple and black polka dot pattern on one side and has “The freedom of the open road” motto, in Paul Smith’s own handwriting, printed on the other."

>Rapha

It doesn't seem all that long ago that my life used to be nothing but scale model airplanes. My father still keeps a pretty handy collection of a couple hundred or so, most of which are unbuilt, and to this day I can't help but think of my childhood every time I see one. Photographer Anythony Dickenson has some pretty neat shots of them.

"Graduating from a photography degree in 2003. Anthony's first job was a poster campaign for Nike 'Panna'. Alot of his work now revolves around urban landscapes with mixed light sources and atmospheric grades. He travels to various cities around the world documenting modern architecture. Anthony also is a director and DOP in many videos and moving image projects. One half of directing duo called LO DEF working with production company Partizan. In 2008 his work took him to Tokyo, South Africa, London, France, Belgium and for a 6 week project in the favela's of Rio photographing the progression of a project by acclaimed artist JR."

>Anthony Dickenson

A neat behind-the-scenes at the Wilson factory where official NFL footballs are made.

>Wilson football factory visit

I've always been pretty interested in the aesthetic and functionality of a lightweight and waterproof beeswax coated jacket. New for spring/summer 2011 comes this Aircraft Jacket from Nigel Cabourn which seems perfectly suited for Scotish weather where they happen to be made in limited quantities. I certainly can't vouch for this jacket having only spotted it online, but I thought the visual deconstruction of it was pretty neat.

>End Clothing

Quite possibly the cleanest way to add a basket to your bicycle, Copenhagen Parts Bike Porter has seemlessly integrated a basket with alloy handlebar into one fluid accessory. Gorgeous. And smart.

>Copenhagen Parts

Certainly a style you've no doubt come across before (but haven't been able to track down) and based on a style first popularized back in Europe in the 1920's, these stackable stools can provide some nice industrial accents for a fraction of the cost going vintage. Most will remember seeing these in a brushed aluminum or weathered olive color, but I've managed to find a shop producing them in navy and white in addition to the standard options.

>Wisteria

"Introducing legendary stars of the thrilling world of the automobile. In Behind the Wheel, Robert Puyal presents eighty idols of the automobile world, including pioneers of the automotive industry, champion racing drivers, superstar car aficionados, and celebrated fictional characters. Among the inspirational figures featured is Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. When James Dean met his death behind the wheel of his Porsche 550 RS nicknamed "Little Bastard," a legend was born. Meanwhile, cars themselves have also played starring roles onscreen: 007’s trademark Aston Martins have endured continual destruction in the James Bond films over the years, only to become enduring big screen icons in their own right. High-speed thrills have always attracted a cast of characters as diverse as it is devoted, and this book is a classic tribute."

>Behind the Wheel: The Great Automobile Aficionados

Viberg seems to be making quite the many rounds with collaborations this season. While I haven't been fully keeping up, the collaboration with Victoria-based shop Four Horsemen released last month immediately comes to mind. This time around, they've headed south to work with NY-based specialty shoe shop Leffot.

"Our third Viberg hiker has arrived this one made up in Vintage Tan Calf, with brown leather laces. These boots are traditional in style and every bit as rugged and comfortable as our It’s difficult to fully appreciate the quality of the materials and hand craftsmanship that go into Viberg boots without handling and trying a pair. They’re solid, weighty, and rugged, built to stand up to the nastiest conditions and last a lifetime."

Available in 3 colours, these ones above are my favourite.

>Leffot

One of my personal favorite artists of all time, Johnny Cash, has once again been reborn and reintroduced to a new audience. When Rick Rubin signed him in the early 90s, the subsequent American Recordings made the Man in Black a true living legend, and audiences previously unaware of country & rockabilly music took notice. Working on the final posthumously-released Cash album, Rubin hooked up with Chris Milk, the director responsible for Arcade Fire's The Wilderness Downtown interactive video, to put together The Johnny Cash Project - a global collective art project giving fans the possibility to redraw a frame of footage of the country legend, which ultimately comes together twice daily in a living portrait. With submissions from over 250,000 people in 172 countries, and a recent Grammy nomination for Best Short Form Music Video, it's brilliant to see The Man in Black's influence is still as great as it ever was, even some 8 years after his death.


"Ain’t No Grave is Johnny’s final studio recording. The album and its title track deal heavily with themes of mortality, resurrection, and everlasting life. The Johnny Cash Project pays tribute to these themes. Through the love and contributions of the people around the world that Johnny has touched so deeply, he appears once again before us.

The Johnny Cash Project is a visual testament to how the Man in Black lives on – not just through his vast musical legacy, but in the hearts and minds of all of us around the world he has touched with his talent, his passion, and his indomitable spirit. It is this spirit that is the lifeblood of The Johnny Cash Project. Thank you for helping Johnny’s spirit soar once more. God bless."

-Chris Milk

>The Johnny Cash Project

I've always liked the simplicity of a hanging, bare, lightbulb. Even when I've seen them clustered together in a bundle or arranged in a row, I've appreciated how clean it can look paired with polished concrete and a stark white wall. Unsurprisingly, a few retailers and individual designers have all had their go at this sort of thing, but I'm particularly fond of these ones from Brendan Ravenhill. It might be because he's gone above just a socket and lightbulb, even though it looks like just a socket and lightbulb.

>Brendan Ravenhill

These bars from Portland are pretty wonderful and it obviously goes without saying they'll make a thoughtful gift.

"Using the fewest and purest ingredients, we make natural vegan soap in batches of 20 or less. Our small-batch approach refines an old world craft into a reconnection with handmade quality. Our soap buyers choose from specific batches as they are poured, cured, handwrapped, and shipped 3 weeks from the date of pour to arrive at peak freshness. Beyond a unique experience, our soap has natural benefits including moisturizing suds, a chemical-free cleaning experience, and entirely plant-based ingredients."

>maak Soap Lab

"EvoWood is the latest in the growing Evolution series created by Wenger in 2005, more than 100 years after the original Swiss Army Knife design. Wenger works to exacting standards of sustainability and these products, which are “grown” in Switzerland, demonstrate the innovative ways in which manufacturers can approach production to help conservation.

The handles for each of these pocketknives are constructed from sustainable top quality walnut using what would otherwise be waste material from other production processes. The natural walnut, which is durable for light outdoor use, is colored in a rich dark stain to create individual shades and grain patterns in each knife, making every product a one-off."

>Wenger

This is admittedly out of left centre for some of us, present company included, but I couldn't help but appreciate the work that went into these rifles from William & Son. Typical rifles from the London-based label take around 1000 hours of handcraftsmanship. Photographed by Coppi Barbieri for GQ China, October 2010.

>William & Son

I've been settling into my new place nicely and this past weekend just started to explore my neighborhood a little bit more. One of the shops I've been walking by every morning and night (when closed) has been a shop I seem to be reading about every morning and night on other sites - the Old Faithful Shop. Relatively new to Gastown, their online shop went live even more recently, both with a fine selection of crafty things for the home, some wearables and terrific reading materials. Given what I've just undertaken with a cross country move, I've been much more wary these days of furniture and other decorative pieces - both large and small - that are making their way into my home. Suffice to say, this shop will be making it tough.

There will be more Vancouver-finds in the coming weeks as I start to explore my new home more, but I'll always try to keep the finds balanced with the others.

320 W Cordova St.
Vancouver, BC, V6B 1E8
778-327-9376

Tim Barber, an absolute legend of a photographer, who has worked with the likes of Nike and Linda Farrow, has an amazing collection of personal photos on his official website. Here are a few favorites.

>Tim Barber Photography

Without question Filson has been the go-to choice for anybody in the market for a rugged canvas bag and you certainly won't be hard pressed to find at least a few people on the street without one. Ally Campellino and Beckel are providing some nice additional options, as are New York-based label Ernest Alexander with their range of accessories in waxed canvas. It's nothing really we haven't seen before, but at the very least it's a different option and the plaid lining is a very nice touch.

"We make ours from durable waxed cotton, a fabric that develops a rich patina over time. The handles fit comfortably over the shoulder but are sized perfectly to avoid looking purse-y. Interior & exterior pockets for extra storage. Lined with a handsome navy and red Standish plaid."

>Ernest Alexander

"Navy Horween® Chromexcel® leather. Hand-stitched moccasin construction. Vibram sole. Form-fitting inner. Waxed stitching. Rawhide laces. Handcrafted in the USA."

>Oakstreet Boot Makers

One of our favorite shops over in Williamsburg moved to their own proper online shop last month and we couldn't be happier. They've got a terrific selection of homewares and curiosities, but are probably most well known for Tourne, their own line of nicely conceived and crafted products for the home. Tourne's Woolen blankets, made from locally sourced virgin wool, have particularly been making the rounds this early winter.

>Brook Farm General Store

75 South 6th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 388-8642

Thursday - Monday 12 - 7pm
Tuesday & Wednesday - Closed

"Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed."
—Norman Rockwell

>http://www.nrm.org/

The very first Zippo was created in 1933 by George D. Blaisdell in Bradford, Pennsylvania. They they didn't come in fancy colors but they were brass. They were simple, and reliable— even in the wind. During WWII, Zippo stopped making them for the general public and started making them exclusively for the U.S. military. They were good then, they're good now.

>Zippo

Smaller, zipper wallets have grown in acceptance as of late and there certainly don't seem to be a shortage of options. I'm particularly fond of this option from CDG, in a terrific shade of brown with subtle gold lettering. I generally like to keep my pockets clutter free and like the idea of stocking this up with some daily essentials (keys, coins, lip balm, etc.) and keeping it in a jacket pocket.

>French Trotters

Cashmere socks are undeniably excessive, but without question a nice little luxury. I remember first coming across Drakes London in a back issue of Monocle and reading about Mr Drake's role in keeping manufacturing alive and well in the UK. To this day, a lot of what's available from Drakes is a little out of my reach, but I like the fact that the principals applied to the pricier pieces equally apply to the smaller offerings that are more attainable.

>Drakes London

A relative new comer to the game but now known as creators of some of the finest road cycling clothing and accessories going at the moment, Rapha has also been really great at sharing their passion for cycling above and beyond products. A wonderful case in point is their official Flickr stream featuring photos from Ben Ingham. They're great for browsing, but even better as a new wallpaper or screensaver.

>Rapha Flickr photostream

This is technically a work bag for storing nuts, bolts and wires and it's from a company more known for its pliers but hear me out. Everybody needs a well made peripherals pouch, if not more than one, to keep bundles of loose items together at home or on the road. Especially when travelling, it's always nice to have all your cables in one place, and all your necessary travel documents in another - which incidentally, serve as a convinient stow pouch for your watch and the contents of your pockets so you can breeze through airport security. I like these ones from Klein that are clearly built to handle much more rugged pieces with its thick canvas and brass zipper. The Klein logo on the front is pretty neat too.

>Klein Tools canvas zipper bag

It's an odd time of the year weather-wise in Montreal. There seems to be just about a mix of everything from hour to hour and while I'm running errands getting ready for my move to the West coast, I've been needing to dress for warmth while taking into account wind, rain, and sunny breaks. These sort of "ensemble" posts seem to be the thing to do for anybody with a blog, so you'll have to forgive its originality, but here's what I've been using on the daily. I suppose there's nothing really surprising or particularly flashy about any of the individual pieces, but maybe that's why they all seem to come together without much thought.

>United Arrows Beauty & Youth - Hands down, the best jeans I've ever owned. The fit and the wash are perfect, I only wish the price was perfect too. Otherwise, these are perfect for everyday wear, right down to painting and hauling furniture.

>Uniqlo Flannels - Affordable, warm, available in a wide selection of colours and comfortable. Uniqlo's sizing is generally all over the chart for me, but their flannels all seem to fit relatively well even after weekly punishment from the washer-dryer routine.

>Mismo Shopper Canvas Bag - I don't think there's another bag I own that gets as much flack from the guys as this one. I normally go with a messenger bag, but in the later seasons I switch to something that doesn't make my coat bunch up. The canvas and leather have aged beautifully and it can surprisingly hold a lot while I pick up last minute things throughout the day.

>Uniqlo Heattech Socks - Uniqlo has been pushing this technology for the last little while now and I was quite pleased when I came across them in sock form. They're better than a standard wool sock and come in a few colour options. They're also terrific around the house.

>Red Wing Chukka - Through light snow, gravel, mud and puddles, these have been great. The soles are just the perfect height to keep the uppers and pant bottoms away from the elements but not nearly as heavy or clunky as others, and they're easy to wear all day, everyday.

>Outlier Liberated Wool Peacoat - For the past few years I had been searching for something in the form of technical outerwear that didn't look like technical outerwear. Tyler and Abe from Outlier have nailed it with this newer release. It moves with you, it's waterproof, it's warm, the fit is incredible and it's rugged enough that it can be beat up a bit.

>Beams Plus Knit Hat - For whatever reason, finding a plain, knitted hat in town was impossible. I probably didn't need to go all the way to Tokyo for one, but the colour and detail of this heavy knit option was tough to pass up. It's a tad overkill for this early in the season so I end up only taking it out after sun down.

In 1961, Ford's luxury division, Lincoln, was in a bad place. Cadillac and Chrysler, among others, were dominating the market despite the fact that for much of the 50s, the Continental was seen as the luxury car of choice among celebrities. Yet even with its mythical image, and its $10,000 price tag (equivalent to the price of a Rolls Royce), Ford lost about $1,000 per car sold. Change was needed and Elwood Engels was the man brought in to save not only the Continental, but the Lincoln brand as a whole. The resulting redesign is still considered as one the most innovative, and attractive cars in the history of American Automotive design. At the time of its release, the 1961 Continental was unlike anything on the market - sleek, modern, luxurious and instantly classic. Its best known design feature, the suicide door, is still instantly recognizable today. Lincoln went on to produce Continentals, in one form or another, until 2002. Yet the understated elegance of Engels' timeless design has in my opinion, yet to be matched.

I spent some time in the Yukon this past week, Whitehorse to be exact. The city of 20,000 is a true example of peoples persistence to thrive and a testament to their determination. Established by the stampeders during the Klondike gold rush, who used it as an outpost and headed up further to Dawson City and Alaska. The city also served as the terminus for the White Pass and Yukon route railway, which, along with so many other things in the area, no longer exists.

A neat look at the home of Andy and Kate Spade. Yes, this Spade, that Spade, and this other Spade.

>Andy and Kate Spade at home in New York City

The design of Kevin Cummins' photo book featuring Factory Records alumni Joy Division was surprisingly not handled by Peter Saville. Rather, Cummins' photos of all artifacts Joy Division, including band instruments and concert posters, were art directed and packaged by Farrow. Though not widely known on this side of the pond, Joy Division was an extremely influential and iconic English rock band in the late 70's until lead singer Ian Curtis' health declined and eventual suicide in 1980. A sad story, but an incredible tribute.

>Joy Division by Cummins

"In the mid-Seventies, two events coincided in Southern California that gave rise to skateboarding as we now know it. The invention of the urethane wheel and the drought that emptied the pools across the city allowed the kids to ride their new boards in an entirely new way. Skateboarders, stoners, thrashers and bad-ass kids from different neighborhoods and backgrounds in Los Angeles began hitting the pavement after school and during the summer, creating a counter-culture that has inspired numerous books, songs, documentaries and films. From the flatland kids skating “freestyle” to the canyon kids going vertical and carving up drained out pools—including soon-to-be legends Stacy Peralta and Jay Adams—Hugh Holland perfectly captured their youthful innocence and the energy of the movement."

>Hugh Holland 'Locals Only' exhibit

M+B
612 North Almont Drive
Los Angeles, California
90069

It's rather remarkable Jordan Silver and Erik Sacher have managed to achieve a level of noteriety normally reserved for a much larger shop. Especially given their niche market. In only 3 very short years, the Thompson Street location in SoHo has managed to parlay their success into their own vintage-inspired line of eyeglasses and a recent collaboration with Opening Ceremony. At the moment there certainly aren't a short selection of manufacturers clammering to get their names on your new face, but specialized service and unique, one-of-a-kind finds is something that's becoming rarer these days. And speaking of rare, both Jordan and Erik actually decline to sell any licensed brands, favoring, independent brands and unused vintage frames. Stop by if you're in the area, even if you're not in the hunt at the moment, the shop itself is quite an experience.

92 Thompson Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 274-9191

Monday – Saturday
11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

It was Porsche's first ever production automobile. The first batch of 50 came off the line in 1948 - they were nimble with rear-engine and rear-wheel-drive. The cabriolet's sold particularly well in Southern California in the mid 50's as 'weekend racers' with their removable windshield and bucket seats. Back then, it sold for $4,000 U.S.

The Speedster above, I spotted in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong.

>Porsche 356 Speedster

François Goyard came from a family with centuries of experience with the Compagnon de Rivière, a business specializing in the transportation of firewood for Paris homes via the river. In 1853, a year before Louis Vuitton was founded, François took over a trunkmaking workshop where he had been apprenticing and formed what is now known as Maison E. Goyard - the "E" being an homage to his father Edme. Over the years, Goyard was passed from generation to generation (with François' son Edmond growing the label across Europe) - inspiring Goyard's famous "Y" chevron pattern representing the Goyard family tree and heritage with the Compagnon de Rivière.

Though it was never an official supplier, Goyard went on to be the outfitter of choice for aristocratic families and other heads of state, helping its noteriety rise internationally. Some requested their coat of arms be custom marked on their luggage - eventually leading to their custom monogramming service. Goyard became so popular with this set in fact, the label branched out into accessories for owner's dogs, cats, and monkeys, with a few options still available to this day in the form of custom collars and carryalls. Riding this success but wanting to stay true to their heritage while innovating, they were one of the first luggage makers to partner with automobile companies to create pieces custom fitted for the boots of certain models from J. Rothschild et Fils carriages and Bugatti amongst others. 

>Maison E. Goyard

>Photo via Karl Hab

Since Orville Gibson first patented the design in 1898, archtop guitars have been sought after by musicians of all genres, specifically for their distinctive tone and great looks. Possibly one of the most influential acoustic guitars in the archtop era was the Gibson L5. Designed by Lloyd Loar for Gibson and first produced in 1922, they were the first guitars with F-holes - giving them their distinctive sound. Long heralded as the premiere rhythm guitar from the 30s to the 50s (when the L5 lineup was expanded to included electric models), they can be heard on anything from Big Band (Duke Ellington) to Rock N' Roll (Elvis' Scotty Moore). Though they are still produced to this day almost exactly as they were 88 years ago, nothing beats the sound from an old vintage Gibson like the 1929 L5 shown above - which is why you'll typically see them going for around $30K today. Unfortunately, a little out of my price range for the time being, so I’ll have to stick with my ‘45 Harmony. 

>Gibson 1934-L5 Reissue

Though founded nearly 2 decades earlier, Italian-based Diemme, has finally regained some well deserved attention. Crafted in Montebelluna, a small town in the northeastern part of Italy which is widely known for production and research of technical and performance footwear, brothers Dennis and Maico started their label in 1992 after taking advantage of their location and owning their craft. Basing their small operation in a small but focused community allows Diemme (to this day) to take advantage of local tanneries and hardware suppliers to produce limited runs of their handmade products, resulting in gorgeous boots that are built to last. One certainly can't go wrong with a classic hiking boot, but the combination of navy suede with a flash of orange piping on the Goodyear welted Vibram soles really set this particular one off.

>Tres Bien Shop

>C.H.C.M.

Truth be told, I don't know much about buying antiques, aside from the occasional watch or camera, but I've recently become interested in old library catalogues for the home and maybe even Savile headquarters. There's a certain nostalgia that comes with them of course, but more than anything, the aesthetic of them seem to go with anything from a polished concrete floor to well-worn wood. Apothecary Zero has collected a lot of classic, old-world Americana pieces, this 1950's metal case among the finds.

>Apothecary Zero

I've been looking for something along the lines of a cruiser bike to compliment my fixed gear. Something tough, built to last, and one that looks the part. While this option is a little bit pricier, I adore everything about it, right down to the colour. The Minion from Autum is a custom built bike, made to order in the USA. Featuring an overbuilt, cantilever steel frame, double spring linkage forks, coaster brakes, balloon tires and if you've spotted correctly, yes, a Brooks B73 Spring Saddle with matching Brooks leather ring grips. Everything on this just seems so well considered but with only 7 being produced, I will probably miss out.

>Autum Minion

I believe the expression is, “This isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.” 

Leather Factory Roberu out of Japan has some of the best leather camera accessories going at the moment. Based out of Yokohama, from a tiny workshop and studio, Roberu has managed to infiltrate a crowded camera accessories market with handmade leather straps and enclosures for a variety of different models. I've been particularly hard pressed to find an upgrade for my S90 and I'm quite happy to have come across these - especially after getting to know more about them from this factory tour.

>UNION Los Angeles

One of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most recognizable works that's not a residence, Wright believed that "Every chair must be designed for the building it will be in." Through this belief, Wright created some of the most iconic chairs of his generation that today, remain highly sought after.

Outlier's first real coat is out this season in the form of the Liberated Wool Peacoat. We were able to get our hands on it and be walked through all the details when Tyler Clemens rolled through Montreal with Lars and Emiliano to shoot their look book for this season last month. The amount of technical materials and details they've managed to pack into a well-cut, quality wool peacoat, is quite remarkable. Not to mention the fact it looks terrific.

It's known as the place to go to break land speed records. The first record was set in 1914 by a fella by the name of Teddy Tetzlaff who got up to 140mph in a Blitzen Benz. It's one of the largest, flattest areas on Earth. So flat in fact, that you can see the curvature of Earth. 

"Baracuta jackets are one of Britain’s greatest contributions to menswear."  

Kinfolk Bicycle Co. has been making some headway as far as Japanese-based bicycles. Each frame is built by master frame builder Kusaka, who has spent his life building bicycles by hand for Keirin racers. To a certain extent, he is the last generation of a dying breed. 

Originally only available in Japan, Heritage Research is finally more widely available. Though particularly fond of their technical outerwear pieces, HR has started to branch off into footwear, a collaboration with Viberg among them. Each pair of HR footwear is benchmade to order in Northamptonshire by craftsmen. 

I've always admired Robert Geller, the man and the brand, since first spotting his inaugural debut at New York Fashion Week. Though I find some of the pieces to overdo the Eastern European influence at times and don't personally own anything from his label, I have huge respect for his work - creative and deliberate. I was actually surprised his collaboration with Common Projects on some leather goods didn't garner more attention than they did. But these candles, created for the Geller pop up in New York is something I can definitely get behind. Created with Japanese candle makers LAND in 2 scents: 

It was the first camera ever created by Oskar Barnack in 1914. The Ur-Leica, created for Barnack's personal use as a prototype only, was a game changer as one of the very first small-format cameras ever. It was all metal and used 35mm cine-film. It would later be characterized as the precursor for Leica's first production, the Leica I, otherwise known as the Model A, which went on sale officially in 1925.

Anything from Filson is pretty much a given, but even though they continue to drop new pieces every season, one can't go wrong with a classic piece from Filson. Granted, even their newer pieces serve as a bit of an ode to old world hunting and fishing. I'm particularly fond of the Double Mackinaw Cruiser, for its heavy weight wool that can stand impromptu storms. Just in terms of pure functionality, right down to the 4 large utility pockets, it can't be beat, and is something I could definitely see passing off to my son down the road. 

"Cow Beauty Soap is an old, popular, and ubiquitous brand of soap in Japan. Cow Brand was founded in 1909 in Kyoshinsha, Japan, and has been making soap continually since, persevering even when their factory was destroyed during World War II. Blue Cow Soap uses milk and milk fat as its main ingredients and carries a relaxing jasmine fragrance." 

In his own words, Paul has been producing "nice parts since 1989" which are still made in their Chico, California plant. Their lightweight quick release skewers put them on the map back in the early 90's, but a constant need to improve design and manufacturing practices have helped propel them to their role today. With bikes, it's all in the details, and being that there are so many simple pieces that go into a bike, everything really does count. I don't know too much about weight, materials and machining, but it certainly is beautiful. 

Monocle continues to deliver on its impressive streak of collaborative projects available exclusively in their shops – online and free-standing – this time teaming with Copenhagen’s Inoue Brothers. Made with 100% Super Fine South American Baby-Alpaca. Though pegged as a travel blanket, we can see this living at home just as much as we can see it being used for the boat or dock.

One of my favourite publications, Interview Magazine, has a neat little feature called Consumption - a place where some of their favourite people share the things they can't resist. Their most recent edition features Waris Ahluwalia whom we best remember from small cameos in A Life Aquatic and The Darjeeling Limited. Among the surprising choices was the A.P.C. + Aesop detergent for jeans.

The story goes that Steve McQueen showed up on set for the Thomas Crown Affair in 1968 wearing the PO 714. He had quite the collection. One of his previously owned pairs was recently auctioned for $70K. These special edition folding PO 714 SM's - an ode to McQueen - are limited to 10,000 handmade pieces and come complete with McQueen's preferred blue lenses.

45rpm remains a fairly elusive brand for anybody not living in New York or Japan - though we know of at least one 45rpm shop in Hong Kong. The brand's absolute stand out offerings are their small range of denim. Using selvedge denim made of organic cotton from Zimbabwe, each pair is made on a vintage, slow wheeling loom and hand died in organic, indigo dye. The benefit of such a process, after years of wear, is a deeper blue with richer fading over time. The Sorahiko is a favourite of mine for it's slimmer cut and while it is on the pricier side of denim, the way it weathers is pretty difficult to beat.

This was the jeep in WWII and it was designed by Willys-Overland. They were among the first light utility vehicles ever created. They were rugged, dependable, durable and to make them easier to ship overseas, they were designed to be piled on top of one another. The Willys also gave birth to the term "jeep", so the story goes, that a soldier read its "GP" (General Purpose) designation quite literally.

Founded in 1905 in Chicago, it is now one of the oldest leather tanneries in the USA. Their leathers are used on everything from their own Shell Cordovan's to Visvim's Foley-Folks to professional footballs and baseball gloves. Each hide undergoes hundreds of hours of treatment and care. The company is run by Arnold Horween III. They don't do things the quickest way, or the cheapest way, they do things the right way. 

The upper is "Konbu" Japanese baked nylon - giving it the appearance of weathered canvas, the lower is waxed Italian canvas. The back panel is padded with memory foam and the straps are lined with corduroy. Altogether, it's the perfect, lightweight day pack.

By Yuki Matsuda and the team in Maine. Inspired by 1940's Maine wilderness guides. Hand stitched uppers. Vibram Cristy sole. Any of Yuketen's footwear takes between 96 to 120 hours per pair to craft.

Photographer: Antony Crook

Manufactured between 1961 and 1975, it was one of Jaguar's best selling cars of all time. When it was released, Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made". The first run, known as Series I, was a 2-seater, had an aluminum dash, went from 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and was one of the first times a large auto manufacturer made disc brakes standard.

From canvas tent making during World War I to present day high-end luggage and sporting accessories manufacturing, J.W. Hulme Company’s craftspeople have been making distinctive luxury leather and canvas bags since 1905. Their classic Field Duffle represents everything the company strives for. A re-crafted classic duffle reminiscent of Gokey canvas bags manufactured by J.W Hulme over 50 years ago, the stone-washed, 10 oz. water resistant high count cotton marine canvas adds plenty of vintage character, as does the matte nickel hardware. Custom embroidering is also available, and highly recommended. Being made on home soil and guaranteed for life, this one is sure to stay in your family for the next little while. 

Known as the first, true diver's watch when it was born in 1953, it was the first diving watch guaranteed to be waterproof up to 100 metres. It was tested by divers in deep water, not a lab. And like the ad says, it's perfect for everyday wear.